New Clue to Gestationtal Diabetes: Researchers have discovered that a protein called menin slows the growth of insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, and may hold the clue as to what causes gestational diabetes. It was also found that the hormone prolactin, which becomes elevated during pregnancy, triggers the production of insulin-producing islet cells in the pancreas. This hormone seems to regulate the amount of menin in the pancreas. Researchers think that prolactin decreases menin levels during pregnancy, allowing the pancreas to produce more insulin to meet the demands of the pregnancy. “We think it likely that one reason for developing gestational diabetes is an impaired ability of islet cells to respond to growth signals like prolactin.” It is possible that these findings may lead to tests to detect if a woman is at risk for developing diabetes during pregnancy, and may also lead to treatments to stimulate islet cell growth in those with diabetes.

Asthma and breastfeeding: Breastfeeding for longer than four months could be detrimental to baby’s lungs if the mother has asthma, says a recent study. It is theorized that breast milk transmits hormones that promote inflammation from mothers with asthma to their babies. “Compared to children of asthmatic mothers breastfed for shorter periods, those breastfed for four months or longer had a 6% reduction in certain lung function testing at 16 years.” Researchers say it is too early to advise new mothers to not breastfeed past four months.